Rommel Sandoval, of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, was the highest-ranking military officer killed in the five-month gun battle between government troops and Islamist fighters belonging to the Maute Group in Marawi City. The officer crawled on top of Mante to shield him from gunfire as the terrorists kept on firing at them. The Medal of Valor is the highest military honor that can be bestowed to military personnel for acts above and beyond call of duty. So far, there have only been 40 awardees of the Medal of Valor. 9049, a Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to a lifetime monthly gratuity of P20,000, which is separate from the salary or pension he is receiving from the government.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 20, 2017 02:29 UTC